- Q: Why is Dubrovnik called the Pearl of the Adriatic?
- A: The lovely medieval city of Dubrovnik, Croatia is often referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic for its amazing architecture and historic Old Town.
- Q: What can visitors explore in and around Dubrovnik?
- A: There is much to see and do in the bustling city, but the surrounding towns, villages, and islands in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro also boast an astonishing wealth of history, culture, and tourist attractions.
- Q: How far are the nearby attractions from Dubrovnik?
- A: Most of these attractions are easily accessible by road or boat in less than 2 hours and can be explored on a day trip.
- Q: What transportation options are available for exploring nearby areas?
- A: Visitors can rent a car and drive themselves, depend on the local buses and ferries, or opt to join a guided tour.
Best Time for Day Trips from Dubrovnik, Croatia
- May to June – Ideal for mild weather, fewer crowds, and exploring islands and coastal towns.
- September to October – Perfect for pleasant temperatures, quieter beaches, and wine tours.
- July & August – Peak summer season with warm days, great for island hopping and swimming.
- April – Enjoy cooler weather and peaceful visits to historical sites.
- November to March – Off-season with fewer tourists, great for cultural tours and cozy getaways.
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1. Blagaj, Bosnia
Visit a cliffside monastery and admire river views on a romantic trip.
Blagaj is a beautiful historic village located across the border in Bosnia, about 132 north of Dubrovnik. You can drive there yourself or join a guided tour from Dubrovnik At the top of the list of attractions is the Dervish Monastery and the source of the beautiful River Buna – ladies will need to wear a head-scarf if they wish to enter the monastery. Next up are the ruins of the Blagaj Castle – the stately ruins also offer excellent views out over the countryside. Last but not least is the chance to tour the stately Velagic House, an impressive Ottoman Villa. You will be shown around by the owner who will share a wealth of local history and legend.
Blagaj, 88201, Bosnia-Herzegovina
2. Budva, Montenegro
Explore ancient walls and relax on sandy beaches during summer.
Budva is located about 2.5 hours south of Dubrovnik in Montenegro. Before being discovered by tourists, the town was little more than a sleepy coastal village. Today you can explore the beautiful Old Town, parts of which were established over 2,500 years ago. Here you can explore narrow cobbled alleyways lined with ancient buildings. Highlights include the Citadel Fortress, the Church of St. John (Sveti Ivan) and the Praskvica Monastery. The town is surrounded by pebbled beaches, azure waters and small off-shore islands where you can soak up some sun. At night the town re-invents itself as the party capital of Montenegro, with loud music pouring from every bar and restaurant.
Budva, 85310 Montenegro
3. Cavtat
Stroll the harbor and admire coastal sunsets with couples.
Located at the southern-most tip of the Croatian coastline, 20km south of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a pretty sea-side town which can be reached by road or by boat. Here, seemingly miles removed from the tourist bustle of Dubrovnik, you can soak up some genuine Croatian atmosphere. This is a great place to take a walk along the harbor stopping here and there to sip a drink or enjoy a meal. The main sights include the House of Vlaho Bukovac, a prominent Croatian artist from the late 19th century. His house/museum is filled with his work and frescoes he painted as a teenager. Other places to visit include the Racic Mausoleum, the Rector’s Palace and the harbor-side Our Lady of Snow Monastery.
Cavtat 20210, Croatia
4. Elafiti Islands
Boat between islands and explore peaceful villages during spring.
The Elafiti Islands are a collection of small islands located northwest of the city of Dubrovnik. These quiet wooded islands are a world removed from the tourist throngs of Dubrovnik and offer a quiet and easily accessible day excursion. You can reach them via a daily ferry service or request a water taxi. Once there you can explore on foot (no cars are allowed) and enjoy walking/hiking to numerous sandy bays and coves lapped by azure waters. You can also rent a bike or kayak. The islands are home to a handful of historic buildings including a few churches, the ruins of a fortress and a Franciscan Monastery which is now used as a luxury vacation residence.
Elafiti Islands, Dubrovnik, Croatia
5. Konavle Valley
Bike on vineyard roads and visit rural farms on a cheap day trip.
Located in the extreme south of Croatia between Cavtat and the Montenegro border, the Konavle Valley is locally referred to as the golden valley. The valley is bounded on the west by a rocky coastline while to the east of the fertile valley there are mountains and waterfalls to discover. You can reach the area in about 20 minutes by road or sea from Dubrovnik. Activities include learning about local Croatian culture at the Cilipi Village, enjoying outdoor recreational activities like horse-back riding and cycling or going on a wine-tasting tour. The valley is home to many restaurants and is rumored to be an excellent destination for foodies.
Konavle Valley, 20000 Croatia
6. Korcula
See medieval towers and walk along narrow alleys on a quick visit.
Korcula is the 6th largest island in Croatia and is widely considered to be a wonderful destination for visitors to explore. The 20-mile long island is largely covered by forests, but it does have a few very interesting towns. The largest of these is Korcula Town, often called “Little Dubrovnik” due to its Old Town which is home to many medieval squares, ancient buildings and palaces. The town walls date back to the 13th century and are a joy to explore. Other highlights include the 15th-century St. Mark’s Cathedral, the Abbey Treasury and the Town Museum. Adventurous visitors can take a cycle tour of the island to visit the other 2 villages of Vela Luca and Lumbarda.
Korcula, 20260 Croatia
7. Kotor, Montenegro
Climb fortress steps and explore old town streets with family.
Located across the border in Montenegro, Kotor is a popular day-trip destination from Dubrovnik. The town is mainly famous for its wealth of medieval architecture which will enthrall all history and architecture enthusiasts. Kotor is a town of extreme contrasts where ancient old squares are lined with modern cafes and narrow cobblestone alleys lead visitors to comfortable modern hotels. The historic old town Kotor is considered to be one of the finest medieval examples in the Mediterranean and visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes – there are a great many steps to navigate. Highlights include the medieval town bulwarks, the 12th century cathedral (Sveti Tripun) and the Watch Tower. Of course, there are many restaurants and coffee shops were you can take a break.
Kotor, 85330 Montenegro
8. Lokrum
Discover lush gardens and visit the island fort on a weekend escape.
Lokrum is the closest of Dubrovnik’s offshore islands and is the one you can clearly see from the Old Town. The little island is easy to access by boat – regular boats leave every 30min in summer and take just 15 minutes to reach the island. A more adventurous way to getting to Lokrum is to join a guided kayak excursion. Once you reach the island you can explore the lovely Botanical Gardens which were established in the 19th century and are home to a large variety of trees. Hidden among these you will find the ruins of a medieval monastery. In summer visitors can soak up the sun, swim and snorkel around the island and enjoy spotting varied wildlife.
Lokrum, Dubrovnik 20000, Croatia
9. Medjugorje
Visit pilgrimage sites and walk serene hills on a spiritual trip.
Located just over the Croatian/Bosnian border, Medjugorje is a popular Catholic pilgrimage destination. Local legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared to a group of children here in the 1980’s, and that some of them still claim to benefit from regular visitations. Underscoring the legend, there are stories of many miracles occurring in the town including restored vision, healed illnesses and much more. For this reason, millions of pilgrims visit the village annually and hike up the hills to the spot where the original apparition occurred, where crosses and a large statue of the Virgin Mary have been erected.
Medjugorje, 88266 Bosnia and Herzegovina
10. Mljet National Park
Bike on forest paths and swim in saltwater lakes during summer.
Mljet National Park is a large and scenic protected area on the north west of Mljet Island. The island is easily accessible by boat from Dubrovnik and offers outdoor enthusiasts a large recreational area which can be explored on foot or by bicycle. The park surrounds two saltwater lakes which are ideal for swimming and kayaking. In the center of the larger lake there is a small island which is home to an ancient monastery building which dates back to the 12th century. You can reach this little island by boat and enjoy a snack or drink at the monastery restaurant. Visitors can rent bicycles and kayaks at Mali Most.
Mljet National Park, Road 120, Mljet Island, 20226 Croatia, Phone: +385-20-74-40-41
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